Ministers responsible for the digital economy from West and Central African countries met in Cotonou, Benin, where they reaffirmed their collective commitment to accelerate digital transformation and the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence. They emphasized that digital progress must improve people’s lives by creating jobs, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing economic competitiveness. While acknowledging progress in broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, skills development, and cybersecurity, they also recognized ongoing challenges related to financing, governance, and inclusion. The ministers welcomed the engagement of regional institutions, the private sector, and technical partners in supporting the continent’s digital agenda.
The countries agreed on a shared vision for a Single African Digital Market by 2030, built on principles of connectivity, trust, innovation, sustainability, and ethical AI. Their vision centers on ensuring that all citizens—especially youth, women, and vulnerable groups—benefit from digital technologies. They aim to use digital tools to boost entrepreneurship, productivity, and employment, while positioning Africa as a global hub for talent and innovation. To support this goal, they committed to accelerating universal connectivity, strengthening digital public services, building AI and innovation capabilities, and fostering sustainable financing mechanisms and regional cooperation.
To measure progress, the Declaration outlines concrete objectives to achieve by 2028. These include expanding broadband access, lowering data costs, increasing digital identity coverage, enabling cross-border digital payments, improving e-government services, and doubling intra-African e-commerce. The commitments also focus heavily on job creation and skills development, aiming to train millions of people in digital competencies, expand digital employment opportunities, establish regional AI centers, and localize data hosting. Harmonized regulatory frameworks in cybersecurity, data governance, and AI are expected to enhance trust, interoperability, and regional coordination.
The Declaration highlights the importance of strong partnerships and adequate financing to achieve these ambitions. Regional organizations and the African Union will support regulatory harmonization and cross-border digital initiatives, while the private sector is encouraged to expand infrastructure, invest in innovation, and support training and entrepreneurship. Governments pledged to create predictable regulatory environments, address market barriers, and leverage blended finance tools to attract investment. Development partners are urged to align their support with the region’s digital priorities. A dedicated regional Digital Transformation Facility will be established to mobilize and coordinate financing, technical assistance, and policy support.
To ensure effective implementation, the ministers agreed to set up governance and monitoring mechanisms, including a regional digital transformation dashboard, an annual digital forum, and an annual progress report. Each country will appoint a national focal point to coordinate national and regional actions. These structures aim to improve accountability, transparency, and learning, ensuring that the digital agenda remains aligned with development goals and international best practices.
In their call to action, the ministers urged governments, regional bodies, civil society, the private sector, youth, and development partners to work together over the next two years to accelerate measurable progress. They stressed that youth, women, and persons with disabilities must be central to Africa’s digital future. Countries are encouraged to adopt National Digital Compacts by 2028 to define clear reform and investment roadmaps. The ministers expressed gratitude to Benin for hosting the summit and acknowledged the World Bank’s support. They affirmed that the Cotonou 2025 commitments mark a decisive turning point in Africa’s digital and AI trajectory.
